Deblair Tate began training for her first fitness competition in 2006 and hit the stage in April of 2007 where she placed 4th out of 32 in the nationally recognized Supernatural Bodybuilding and Fitness Competition. She later competed in another show where she placed 1st overall thus allowing me to compete world-wide in a Pro-Status, an accomplishment that may take many years to reach for some. From then, Deblair competed in shows where she won many titles and awards. Deblair was Miss Georgia Fitness two years in a row.
Fitness modeling centers on displaying an athletic physique. Fitness models usually have the defined muscles of bodybuilders, but with less emphasis on muscle size in favor of lean muscle tone. Bodyweight is usually similar to (or heavier than) fashion models, but we have a lower body fat percentage due to increased muscle mass and reduced fat mass. Fitness models go to exceptional lengths to look their best. She spends hours in the gym, eats only the healthiest foods, and stays away from drugs and alcohol.
After almost 15 years in the game, Deblair has created a lane for herself, celebrity trainer and coach, nutritionist, First Sergeant and Instructor in the US Air Force, an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Vice President of her motorcycle club, LaFemme TTG, MC. However, she felt it was time to branch out and embark on a new journey in the world of health and fitness—creating the fitness apparel brand, 8Figured. Meet the fitness inspiration below.
Fancy: How would you describe your swagher? What makes DeBlair, DeBlair?
Deblair: Resilient. Dope. Humble. Confident. What makes Deblair, Deblair? Everything that I have been through in my life made me who I am- the people I have learned from and the experiences that made me learn the hard way.
Fancy: So first, how did you get into fitness modeling?
Deblair: One evening while working at the juice bar in the gym, a gentleman who had come to purchase supplements asked if I had ever thought of doing fitness competitions. He said I looked like I worked out and that I probably would do well in a competition. Unknowledgeable of the competition world, I responded with an “absolutely not!†My image of female bodybuilders was not something I wanted for myself, so I politely declined. He attempted to explain the difference, but I wasn’t interested. Later that day, a young lady came into the juice bar with a book. She introduced herself to me and stated that she was asked to come in and show me some pictures of her as a fitness competitor. I was in awe. She looked amazing. At that moment, I was sold and ready to begin training to become a fitness competitor.
I joined their gym and began training and prepping myself for upcoming shows. I learned quickly that fitness competitions are not for the faint of heart. It is a serious business and it requires a commitment of time and effort, as well as a flawless diet. I began training for my first fitness competition in 2006 and hit the stage in April of 2007 where I placed 4th out of 32 competitors in the nationally recognized Supernatural Bodybuilding and Fitness Competition. I later competed in another show where I placed first overall, which allowed me to compete world-wide in a Pro-Status—an accomplishment that can take many years to reach. From that point, I competed in shows where I’ve won many titles and awards. I have even been crowned Miss Georgia Fitness for two years in a row.
Fancy: And simply because, I’ve never considered that the models we see in ads are specifically fitness models, is there a consistent demand for you all in your line of work?
Deblair: There is a consistent demand for us. Different brands and companies are always looking for fitness models to represent their organization.
Fancy: Did you began training others before or after you began modeling?
DeBlair: I began training after I began doing fitness competitions- During this time, my body changed dramatically and everyone noticed. I would be out shopping and people would approach me to ask questions as if I was a professional trainer, and would ask if I could train them. For a long time, I would say no and direct them to one of the trainers at the gym until I realized that this had become my lifestyle, and I had the knowledge to guide people just as I had been guided.
It became a journey of not only sculpturing my body but having the ability to affect the lives of others. I trained clients to compete in numerous shows. Along the way, I gained several certifications and was on the road to becoming one of the best trainers in the game. To experience the impact my training had on transforming people’s lives—whether for image, health concerns, or self-confidence—passion burned within me and grew increasingly over the years.
Fancy: Were you always a health-conscious eater?
Deblair: Absolutely not. I grew up in Mississippi and we ate well in the Magnolia State. My favorite foods growing up were definitely hamburgers and french fries with roast and macaroni falling in a close second place.
Fancy: Oh, wow! I’m from Mississippi too! What is one thing you’ve had to give up but had a difficult time doing so?
Deblair: Hmmm…I would have to say red meat. I’m a ribeye lover so that has been my biggest challenge still to this day.
Fancy: Now your latest venture is your fitness apparel brand 8Figured. Please tell us more about it and what the name means.
Deblair: The name 8Figured represents the idea of self-worth. When it initially derived, of course, dollar signs popped into my head. I thought to myself, “That’s it! Our bodies are worth millions of dollars—8Figured—that’s mega!†I ran this idea across to my boyfriend and he made me realize that I needed to go deeper so my mind wouldn’t settle with just that. Something didn’t feel right about it anyway, so I knew something deeper and bigger was missing. I never felt like my body or anyone else’s carried a price tag, so that thought countered what I believed. This idea led to 8Figured being coined a “lifestyleâ€. It’s about accepting who you are and being an engineer of the body you were given. Self-Love, Acceptance, and Self-Respect. It’s also about being resilient and bouncing back from the things life throws at us. These experiences may bend us, but they do not have to break us. That’s the 8Figured Mindset.
Fancy: What type of individual would you say 8Figured is geared to?
Deblair: 8Figured is sportswear that is geared towards athletes and people that are passionate about health and fitness.
Fancy: How do you practice self-care?
Deblair: I have several ways of practicing self-care. One main way is by riding my Harley- I don’t know if you are a motorcycle rider but riding gives you a sense of freedom. You are in total control of the moment; you are not just riding, you are flying and there are no set limits to stop you. It brings a sense of calm and ease to your mind and body. It’s definitely a reboot to your system.
Fancy: I’m not but that description makes me want to reconsider it now. Do you have any upcoming events or projects that you care to share?
Deblair: I have several pending events but in the wake of the state of emergency from COVID-19, everything is on hold. I’ll be sure to keep everyone informed on the future dates once things get back to normal.
Connect with Deblair below.
Websites: www.8figured.com | www.deblairfitness.com
